If You Feel Better

Chapter 76

A group of musicians played their instruments flawlessly, their individual expertise shining through the cluster of talent that blended together in harmonious song. The elegant notes of a harp's ethereal chime flowed out as its master plucked its strings with dancing fingers. The whistling of a flute matched perfectly with its tune, giving an otherworldly aura to the music. Rattles and lutes played along to the rhythm, performing nothing but their best in front of the king.

The pharaoh listened on from his throne, this being the fifth band he had listened to this day. He remained indifferent, though their professionalism was undeniable. Their skills were some of the best in Egypt, having hired them for entertainment before, but even so, they were just not what he was looking for.

"Stop!" he roared over their music.

They ceased playing at once, setting aside their instruments, and bowing in respect while they waited for orders. Mahad, Seto, and Shada shot each other exasperated, confused looks before turning their gazes to the pharaoh. They had been enjoying the music thus far and thought that the performances had been going well.

"This music is lovely, but it's not appropriate for a lively celebration," the king complained, shaking his head in disapproval. "The New Year's festival is supposed to be a happy time, not a somber ritual. The music played needs to be more jovial. I do not want my patrons to feel anything but uplifted during the holiday."

"My pharaoh," Seto spoke up. "Wouldn't a combination of multiple genres please the most people? A music set should shift between fast and slow songs to create a balance of moods instead of just sticking to one the entire time."

"Not when it comes to a festive time," the king argued. "I want it all upbeat, no slow songs. I want every song to make people happy. We don't need solemn music."

"But, my pharaoh–" Mahad started.

"This is my order!" Atem interrupted, having no patience for their insubordination. "And it will be followed!"

Everyone in the room bent the knee, holding a fist over their hearts and bowing their heads in respect. "Yes, my pharaoh," they all echoed in unison.

~

Bakura walked down the hallway to his bedroom, arms full of papyrus scrolls that were threatening to spill over from sheer volume. He was practically giddy, excitedly anticipating the look on Aya's face when she saw him. It had taken a long time to track down the specific works he had been searching for, but after weeks of patience, he had finally acquired them all.

He confidently strutted down the hallway, practically bursting into the room upon arrival. His sudden appearance startled Aya, who was getting ready to sleep, but now felt a little too roused to try.

"Why do you always insist on revealing yourself in the most abrupt way possible?" she asked, patting her racing heart back to its normal rhythm.

Bakura smirked, letting the plethora of scrolls spill out of his arms onto the table. "Not always on purpose, Princess," he said, turning to his love. "I don't typically pay attention to the manner in which I enter rooms."

Aya's attention turned to the contents he had been carrying, noticing that they were not the typical gold, jewels, or valuable he usually brought back with him. They were stacks of rolled-up papyrus, some brand new and others turning yellow and fragile with age. In all of her time in Bakura's presence, she had never seen him read once. "What's all of that?" she asked curiously.

He proudly grinned and explained "I've been doing a lot of thinking, Princess, and I believe it would be a good idea for us to start over. We don't exactly have the best history with one another and I'm sure both of us are holding onto grudges. I'm proposing that we bury the past and reform our relationship from the beginning."